News – Page 9 – Democracy Radio

FG Defends New Passport Fee Hike, Says Reform Will End Corruption

By Sofiat Adenekan The Federal Government has justified the sharp increase in Nigerian passport fees, insisting the new charges will eliminate corruption, restore credibility, and ensure quicker delivery of travel documents. Effective September 1, 2025, applicants in Nigeria will pay N100,000 for a 32-page, five-year passport and N200,000 for a 64-page, 10-year passport, according to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). The hike comes less than a year after fees were reviewed in August 2024, when the 32-page booklet rose from […]

August 29, 2025

General

NCPC Celebrates Two Retired Officers

By: Chinedu Echianu Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission has held a colourful send-forth in honour of two of its senior officers who retired in August. Those celebrated were Barrister Sonny Ebiyaibo, former Director of Administration, and Agiobu Fyneface, former Chief Executive Officer in the Accounts Department. A statement made available to Democracy Radio by Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director and Head, Media and Public Relations, NCPC, says the Commission’s headquarters was filled with tributes, prayers, and celebrations as colleagues, family, and dignitaries […]

August 29, 2025

Security

Army Boss Pledges Enhanced Security Across Nigeria

By Zainab Bakare The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has pledged to intensify military operations aimed at bolstering security in Katsina State and across Nigeria. He made this commitment during a courtesy visit to the Acting Governor of Katsina State, Faruk Jobe, at the Government House in Katsina. According to a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the visit was part of the COAS’s operational tour of the state and […]

August 29, 2025

Security

Troops Repel Bandit Infiltration in Niger State

By Zainab Bakare Troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Babana in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State has successfully repelled an attempted infiltration by armed bandits on Thursday, neutralising two assailants and recovering a cache of weapons and ammunition. According to a statement from the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, Captain Stephen Nwankwo, the incident occurred at approximately 2:50 a.m. when vigilant troops engaged the bandits attempting […]

August 29, 2025

Security

Police Dismantle Syndicate Behind Fake NIMC Verification Platforms

By Oluwakemi Kindness The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a major cyber syndicate running fake National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) verification platforms, arresting eight suspects linked to unauthorized access and data harvesting schemes. The Force, through its National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), said on Thursday that it shut down 13 out of 14 fraudulent domains designed to mimic the official NIMC database. Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Isuku Victor-Edailokun, described the operation as a breakthrough in protecting citizens’ personal information. […]

August 28, 2025

President Bola Tinubu scraps 5% excise duty on telecommunications services to ease cost for Nigerians

Local News

FCT Residents React to Tinubu’s Claim of Eradicating Corruption

By Sofiat /Zainab Some residents of the federal capital territory, FCT, have disagreed with President Bola Tinubu’s recent claim in Brazil that corruption has been eradicated in the country. They insisted that corruption not only persists but has worsened across key sectors of the economy. Speaking with Democracy Radio on Wednesday, they described the President’s assertion as “far from reality,” stressing that corruption remains the root cause of insecurity, food inflation, poor governance, and the collapse of the education […]

August 28, 2025

Security

Wike Urges G-7 States to Adopt Tech-Driven Security Strategy ‎

‎‎By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul ‎ ‎‎The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged the adoption of technology-driven security strategies and stronger inter-state collaboration to counter the rising wave of cross-border crimes threatening the nation’s capital and its surrounding states. ‎ ‎Wike, represented by the FCTA Head of Service, Grace Adayilo, made the call on Thursday at the 10th G-7 Security Summit in Abuja. He emphasized the need for coordinated action among neighbouring states to dismantle criminal networks […]

August 28, 2025

Business

NSITF Urges Localised Approaches as Experts Push for Preventive Risk Management

By Chinedu Echianu Experts have warned that global risk frameworks without local adaptation are bound to fail. They stressed the need for preventive strategies and stronger collaboration in addressing emerging threats such as cyber attacks, climate shocks, and pandemics. Speaking at the 24th Annual International Conference of the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI) in Lagos, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barr. Oluwaseun Faleye, said localised solutions must take priority in tackling risks […]

August 28, 2025

Economy

JCR Reaffirms Afreximbank’s A- Credit Rating, Maintains Stable Outlook

By Oluwakemi Kindness The Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) has reaffirmed the African Export-Import Bank’s (Afreximbank) long-term issuer credit rating at A- with a stable outlook, underscoring the institution’s resilience and growing credibility in global financial markets. The decision reflects JCR’s confidence in Afreximbank’s solid capital base, strong strategic positioning, prudent liquidity policies, and effective risk management framework, despite persistent global economic headwinds. JCR further highlighted the Bank’s pivotal role in financing trade and driving economic development across Africa and […]

August 28, 2025